Opinion: Seinfeld Bit Could Get You Noticed At Your Idaho Job

Trying to figure out how to put ourselves in a position to be considered for a promotion or raise is something workers do every day.

I've been both an intern and a supervisor during my last 30 years in the workforce, and I've personally found that fine-tuning certain behaviors around the office can get you noticed more than others. Sometimes, it can backfire.

I've worked as a journalist and broadcaster for nearly 30 years, and because this type of work typically doesn't pay well, having a second gig has been almost a necessity. I've held positions including trade show planner, vineyard events manager, and staffing supervisor while also managing to stay in radio in some capacity, going as far back as 1996, and I've worked with all types of personalities.

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Could An Old Seinfeld Episode Actually Help Someone Get Noticed Around The Office?

I was never really a fan of the show Seinfeld. One day, however, I stumbled upon a YouTube clip of actor Jason Alexander (George Costanza) in a Seinfeld bit about appearing important around the office. It's comedy gold, and one of the funniest occupational concepts ever dreamed up, and it might actually work.

All workplaces are stressful environments, and people cope with this fact in different ways. Have you ever walked up to an open door in your office, peeked around, and knocked to speak to someone? Of course you have.

READ MORE: The Person In Your Idaho Office Who Does This In November

What's the first thing the person sitting at the desk does? They put on a focused face, don't they? I've been guilty of it myself, and some, like George Costanza, believe looking annoyed is the key to keeping a job or getting a promotion.

(WARNING: Video contains bad language)

For many of us, some coworkers just make it impossible to navigate a full day at the office without looking annoyed, but that's a different thing altogether.

I came across an exchange on Quora recently that blossomed into a humorous but interesting discussion between strangers on how people's facial expressions and office mannerisms can influence those around them. The post was titled, 'People at my job say I look angry/mad, but I am really a happy person. Why are they saying this?'

Maybe you'll come away with something that is of use at your workplace.